Aulë was a Vala, Smith of the Powers and concerned with rock and metal.

History

During the creation of Arda, Aulë was most involved in building the continents and mountains. He constructed Angainor, the chain of Melkor, and the vessels of the Sun and Moon. He was husband to Yavanna. He was also the third most powerful of the male Valar.

Aulë created his own race of beings, the Dwarves, because he was unwilling to wait for the Children of Ilúvatar to appear. Ilúvatar knew of this and even as Aulë was instructing them He chastened Aulë. Aulë repented, offering his children to Ilúvatar, and Ilúvatar accepted them as His adopted children. Since Ilúvatar had decided that the Elves were to be the first-born race, He made the Dwarves to sleep until the Elves appeared on Arda.